Liberal Members of Parliament are gearing up for a national caucus meeting in Edmonton, with a focus on raising climate change discussions to the forefront of the political agenda. Some MPs have expressed concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of environmental issues since taking office.
Montreal MP Éric St-Pierre and Nova Scotia MP Shannon Miedema have proposed the creation of a formal caucus dedicated to climate issues, similar to existing forums for women’s and Indigenous matters. Following virtual meetings during the summer, the caucus will convene in person in Edmonton, inviting all Liberal MPs to participate.
St-Pierre, known for his background in climate philanthropy, remains supportive of Carney’s environmental efforts, emphasizing the government’s early stage and expecting forthcoming proposals. However, some MPs, speaking anonymously, believe Carney should emphasize his previous role as a UN special envoy on climate action.
Following his appointment, Carney canceled the consumer carbon price, a significant climate policy of the previous government. The adoption of Bill C-5 and the appointment of Dawn Farrell to lead the Major Projects Office have also drawn attention within the Liberal Party.
MPs like Alexandra Mendes and Karina Gould, who prioritize climate action, will engage in the environmental caucus meeting to advocate for environmental concerns in Carney’s administration. While some members appreciate Carney’s energy development focus, others feel a balance between energy and climate change is essential.
A Léger poll revealed that only a small percentage of respondents prioritize the environment, indicating varying perspectives within the Canadian populace. The Prime Minister’s Office and the Minister of Environment’s director of communications have reiterated the government’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting community resilience nationwide.